Steven Addis shares his father-daughter tradition at TED2012. Photo: James Duncan Davidson

He is a part of you. Whether you are close or not, whether he was a constant part of your life or not, he impacted who you are today. You love him – except maybe when you can’t stand him. For better or worse, he is your dad. Celebrate this Father’s Day with these nine TED Talks about the importance of dads. From what Steve Addis did to maintain his relationship with his daughter to what Adam Garone grew to help dads everywhere, these talks inspire, comfort and remind us just how important a father’s love can be.

Adam Garone: Healthier men, one moustache at a time Adam Garone: Healthier Men, One Moustache At a Time In his TEDxToronto talk, Adam Garone speaks about how a dare in a bar lead to $126 million for prostate cancer research.

Tony Porter: A call to menTony Porter: A call to men In Tony Porter’s emotional and personal talk from TEDWomen, he entreats men to teach their sons how to escape the “man box” to end the violence against and victimization of women.

Angela Patton: A father-daughter dance ... in prisonAngela Patton: A father–daughter dance … in prison Camp Diva works to unite young girls with their fathers, but, as Angela Patton’s funny and engaging TEDxWomen talk shows, when fathers are under extenuating circumstances everyone must help that relationship prosper.

Jackson Katz: Violence against women—it's a men's issue Jackson Katz: Violence against women, it’s a men’s issue In his bold TEDxFiDiWomen talk, Jackson Katz explains why violence is tied to the definition of manhood and why it is up to everyone, men and women, to call out intolerable behavior and redefine what it means to be a man.

Colin Stokes: How movies teach manhood Colin Stokes: How movies teach manhood Fatherhood exposed Colin Stokes to the diverging moralities of movies marketed to girls and boys. Movies for his daughter stressed cooperation; movies for his son had undertones of violence. In his TEDxBeaconStreet talk, Stokes calls for movies with positive messages of teamwork for boys.

Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids Child prodigy, Adora Svitak is tired of being called “childish.” In her TED2010 talk, she explains why being childish is just the thing adults need to be.

Bruce Feiler: The council of dads Bruce Feiler: The council of dads When Bruce Feiler was diagnosed with cancer, he worried about who would father his girls if he should die. In this inspiring TEDMED talk, Feiler talks about his “Council of Dads” and how friends helped him capture the essence of fatherhood.

Lemn Sissay: A child of the state Lemn Sissay: A Child of the State In his TEDxHouseofParliament talk, Lemn Sissay struggles to unite literature idealization of orphaned children with his own life as a foster child.

Steven Addis: A father-daughter bond, one photo at a time Steve Addis: A father–daughter bond, one photo at a time Photographer Steve Addis’ most treasured photos are ones strangers took. In his TED2012 talk, Addis explains how one father–daughter tradition helped bond him and his daughter forever.

There’s a time and a place for the big picture; there’s a time and a place for the tiny one. This week, watch the playlist “The world of tiny things,” all about viewing the unseen and looking at the world on a very small scale. In this playlist, E.O. Wilson makes a plea for insects and other small creatures; Gary Greenberg shows the world in beautiful nano detail; Willard Wigan presents sculpture so small it can sit on the head of a pin; Michael Dickinson looks at how a fly flies; and much more. For there are no small parts, only (very, very, very) small actors.

Experience the world of tiny things »

TED playlists are collections of talks around a topic, built to illuminate ideas in context. We hope you enjoy this installment.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

This morning, we’re sharing eight motivating talks to stir your soul, pull your heartstrings, and move you to take courageous action. Why? Because the deadline to nominate for the 2014 TED Prize is approaching on June 16. Whether you’re compelled by Brené Brown to be “powerfully vulnerable” and nominate yourself, or if you follow Barry Schwartz’s advice and surface another person’s “practical wisdom” by nominating a mentor or co-worker, it’s time to take a step toward a transformative wish for the world.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative geniusElizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk from TED2009 inspires you to tap into your inherent creative genius. This, naturally, begs the question: is there the seed of a TED Prize wish in the work you already feel passionate about?

David Kelley: How to build your creative confidenceDavid Kelley: How to build your creative confidence In spite of the messages we may receive, creativity is accessible to all of us. Turn to David Kelley’s advice from TED2012 to build creative confidence if you encounter any blocks as you develop a possible TED Prize wish.

Derek Sivers: How to start a movementDerek Sivers: How to start a movement In this talk from TED2010, Derek Sivers uses humor to illustrate how movements begin — and the necessity of collaboration. Reminding us of the power of a movement’s courageous “first follower,” he speaks to the humility and team-building skills a TED Prize winner needs to make an impact.

Brené Brown: The power of vulnerabilityBrene Brown: The power of vulnerability A scholar of love, empathy and compassion, Brené Brown found that her research led her to a profound knowledge about the power of vulnerability. If you’re apprehensive about putting yourself out there and applying, watch Brown’s talk for some refreshing perspective.

Barry Schwartz: Our loss of wisdomBarry Schwartz: Our loss of wisdom In a passionate argument about the limitations of bureaucracy and impractical rules, Barry Schwartz advises us to “appeal to virtue” as we work to improve the world. Schwartz’s talk from TED2009  speaks to what makes a good TED Prize winner — audacity, resilience and the ability to improvise based on practical knowledge.

Seth Godin: How to get your ideas to spreadSeth Godin: How to get your ideas to spread In his TED2003 talk, Seth Godin explains why some of the ideas we might write off as odd or awful have more value than we give them credit for — because they just might stick with people. Watch this talk as you shape your TED Prize wish.

Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire actionSimon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action Simon Simek illustrates how true leaders inspire action in this talk from TEDxPugetSound. What helps the world’s greatest leaders stand out? Working, thinking and speaking from “the inside out.” Consider this lesson as you imagine  nominating yourself for the TED Prize. Ask yourself the question at the center of his talk: “Why?”

Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kidsAdora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids Adora Svitak, then 12, gives a provocative talk that suggests adults should adopt “childish” thinking to improve the world. Defining “childish” thinking as imaginative, hopeful and courageous, Svitak calls for adults to respect the power of young people’s ideas. So maybe ask yourself: What’s the wish for the world that your 10-year-old self would make?

Anyone who lives in a major city, where pollen-thick summer air seems incompatible with the dearth of trees, it can be easy to forget the fact that plants make the world go round. Here to remind you is a playlist of 10 TED Talks on the majesty and awesomeness of plants. Hear from not one but two rebel gardeners, as well as vegetarians, designers and conservationists.

Watch the playlist Plantastic! »

TED playlists are collections of talks around a topic, built to illuminate ideas in context. A new playlist is added every week. We hope you enjoy this installment.

Happy Tuesday! Enjoy a bonus binge this week: a playlist about design. “Design giants” contains 13 talks by iconic modern designers. Hear from Philippe Starck, who asks, “Why design?” … Stefan Sagmeister on how design helped him find happiness … Eames Demetrios on his grandparents’ legendary work … and today’s talk, Paola Antonelli, on how she shocked a few people in the art world by adding 14 video games to the design collection of MoMA.

Watch the playlist “Design giants” »

TED playlists are collections of talks around a topic, built to illuminate ideas in context. A new playlist is added every week. We hope you enjoy this installment.

Ready for a Sunday binge of talks that will make your head spin? In this new playlist, twelve speakers take on our biggest issues: shifting global powers, the value of democracy, climate change, the nature of time, the future evolution of the human race. Some of these talks bring good news and some bring potential bad news — and all of them bring to mind new questions as they supply answers to old ones.

Watch the TED playlist, “The Big Picture,” which includes talks by Misha Glenny on global crime networks, Rory Stewart on why democracy matters, Stewart Brand on why we should think ten thousand years in the future and Juan Enriquez on how the next generation may be a different species »

TED playlists are collections of talks around a topic, built to illuminate ideas in context. A new playlist is added every week. We hope you enjoy this installment.

On Tuesday night, PBS and TED joined forces to air TED Talks Education, a one-hour televised special, featuring passionate teachers, students and researchers from the field who shared their ideas about transforming the US education system. We were so inspired by these spirited speakers that we asked them to curate playlists of their favorite TED Talks for you to enjoy.

Sir Ken Robinson chose his favorite talks, spanning creative methods of learning and powerful spoken word. Watch his favorite talks »

Educator Angela Duckworth selected inquisitive talks about human behavior and psychology. Watch her talk picks »

Bill Gates’ extensive playlist includes a variety of eye-opening selections on medicine, robots and violence. Watch the talks that inspire him »

Teacher and activist Geoffrey Canada’s playlist reflects his passion for advocacy through an exploration of violence, slums and environmental activism. Watch his favorite talks on social justice »

Poet Malcolm London picked talks from speakers with candor – poets and educators alike. Watch this poet’s selections »

High school teacher Pearl Arrendondo chose motivating talks that reflect her own drive. Watch her inspiring picks »

Ramsey Musallam, chemistry teacher, selected talks on imaginative ways of repurposing education and learning. Watch his inventive collection of talks »

Geoffrey Canada rocked the audience at TED Talks Education with his passionate talk. Photo: Ryan Lash

Geoffrey Canada gives a very interesting analogy in today’s TED Talk: He compares the current education system in the United States to the era when banks were only open between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

Geoffrey Canada: Our failing schools. Enough is enough!“Now, who can bank between 10 and 3?” asks Canada to a big laugh. “It went on for decades. You know why? Because they didn’t care. It wasn’t about the customers. It was about bankers … Now one day, some crazy banker had an idea. Maybe we should keep the bank open when people come home from work?”

What do “bankers’ hours” have to with education? Well, Canada says, many of the US education system’s similar ingrained habits — long summer vacations, testing at the end of the school year — go against everything we know about student learning. And yet these old habits continue. As Canada puts it: “Here’s a business plan that simply does not make any sense.” Among his ideas: Shorten vacation so kids don’t backslide academically during the long summer; and test early in the school year, when there’s still time to correct course.

To hear his passionate plea for educators to start looking at data and to think more about the customers — students — in order to curb the United States’ abysmal dropout rate, watch this powerful talk.

And here are more fascinating TED Talks that suggest ideas for education from other seemingly unrelated fields.

Susan Cain: The power of introvertsSusan Cain: The power of introverts Idea: Make time for solitary work, not just groupwork From: Psychology Susan Cain’s blockbuster talk from TED2012 focuses on the wondrous, largely ignored skills that introverts have to offer. She points out that schools are unabashedly built for extroverts, with their emphasis on group exercises and group activities — and urges classes to leave time for solitary work to capture the best of introversion.

Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagreeMargaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree Idea: Teach kids how to debate From: Business In this talk from TEDGlobal 2012, Margaret Heffernan contends that conflict, challenge and openness to changing our minds are all key to progress. The problem is, we tend to avoid disagreement at all costs. How to counter that? Heffernan describes a Ph.D. program that requires students to submit five statements that they’re prepared to defend in the face of authority. “I think it’s a fantastic system, but I think leaving it to Ph.D. candidates is far too few people and way too late in life,” she says. “I think we need to be teaching these skills to kids and adults at every stage of development.”

Carl Honore: In praise of slownessCarl Honoré: In praise of slowness Idea: Ban homework (or ease up on it) From: The Slow Movement We’re trying to do more and more with less and less time — and Carl Honoré explains why this isn’t a good thing. “By slowing down at the right moments, people find that they do everything better: they eat better, they make love better, they exercise better, they work better, they live better,” he says. And, of course, they learn better. Kids, Honoré says, are overworked to the point of burnout. He proposes that we embrace slow education, easing up on (or even banning!) homework to allow kids time to process and relax after school.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka: How a boy became an artistJarrett J. Krosoczka: How a boy became an artist Idea: Drawing helps kids deal with emotions From: Art At TEDxHampshireCollege, Jarrett Krosoczka, an author and illustrator of children’s books, says it’s essential that kids get the opportunity to flex their drawing muscles through extracurricular classes. He talks about the emotional outlet that art and writing gave him as a child — even as he dealt with hard emotions surrounding his complicated parents.(Check out Krosoczka’s picks for 10 great children’s books that are destined to be classics.)

Dave Eggers' wish: Once Upon a SchoolDave Eggers’ wish: Once Upon a School Idea: Multitasking can make for a better education From: Practicality Dave Eggers kept hearing about the stresses of teaching — the overcrowded classes, the inability to give students one-on-one attention — from friends and family members in the profession. At the same time, Eggers also noticed other pals especially skilled in language arts — writers, editors, graduate students — in need of a space to write. At TED2008, he shares the story of how he opened a combined writers’ space and tutoring center, where the writers would write until school was out, and then become tutors.

And a bonus unreleased talk:

Stuart Firestein: Celebrate ignorance
Idea: Don’t just teach answers — teach questions
From: Science
In this yet-to-be-released talk from TED2013 — about the necessity of high-quality ignorance to scientific discovery — Firestein proposes a model of education based on evaluation rather than weeding out. Instead of feeding kids facts that they can then repeat, he imagines a system in which we encourage kids to ask, not answer. (Watch for the talk this fall!)

In this new playlist, Robinson selects 10 talks about education that he finds both inspiring and insightful. His list, given in no particular order, contains talks from Alison Gopnik on what babies think, TED Prize winner Sugata Mitra on his vision for a School in the Cloud, and Shane Koyczan on the ways bullying sticks with us. Check out the full list of talks here »

TED playlists are collections of talks around a topic, built to illuminate ideas in context. A new playlist is added every week. We hope you enjoy this installment.

Steven Pinker is one of several TED speakers who’s given a talk about the art of verbal language. Photo: James Duncan Davidson

TED Talks cover an incredible breadth of topics – from mathematical origami to self-repairing architecture to personalized medicine. Some talks explore what lies at the very essence of TED — the act of talking. The 10 talks below explore the various dynamics of speech — from phonology to cognition to the socio-cultural role of language in society. These talks at times offer insight into the struggle for self-expression and at other times engage in contentious linguistic debates. As a whole, they provide a holistic and layered view of speech and language. Because what would TED be without talking?

Roger Ebert: Remaking my voiceRoger Ebert: Remaking my voice We deeply miss Roger Ebert. In this poignant talk from TED2011, he shared his remarkable rediscovery of self-expression after losing his voice in the fight against jaw cancer. While he couldn’t speak for the last few years of his life, he explained how he found a captive audience on Twitter and through his blog. The talk, presented by Ebert, along with his wife and two friends, offers an inspirational glimpse into the life of someone who overcame incredible adversity.

Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen betterJulian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better A speaker is nothing without a listener, but as it stands, we retain only a quarter of what we hear. In this talk from TEDGlobal 2011, Julian Treasure offers five tips to better navigate our cacophonous soundscape and savor the noise around us. Following Treasures’s advice, we’ll become better communicators and will live in a better world. As he says, “A conscious listening world is a world of connection, of understanding and of peace.”

Terry Moore: Why is 'x' the unknown?Terry Moore: Why is ‘x’ the unknown? Basing his argument on our physical capacity to produce sounds, Terry Moore provides a phonetic explanation for a question we’ve all asked ourselves. This is a short and sweet talk from TED2012.

Mark Pagel: How language transformed humanityMark Pagel: How language transformed humanity “Our destiny is to be one world with one language,” argues biologist Mark Pagel in this talk from TEDGlobal 2011. Outlining the social function of language evolution, he highlights the importance of language in fostering cooperation in an increasingly globalized world. In the end, it’s worth making “all this fuss about a puff of air emanating from our mouth.”

Wade Davis: Dreams from endangered culturesWade Davis: Dreams from endangered cultures A fascinating speaker, with the opposite perspective. In this talk from TED2003, National Geographic Explorer Wade Davis emphasizes the importance of a diversity of languages and cultures in our world. What the world needs is not one universal language, but rather a respect for the unique values and worldview tied up in each linguistic system. Language loss is happening at an alarmingly rapid rate: 50% of the world’s languages are facing extinction — about one language dies every two weeks. “Language is a flash of the human spirit,” argues Davis.

Patricia Ryan: Don't insist on English!Patricia Ryan: Don’t insist on English! In this talk from TEDxDubai, Patricia Ryan – who has lived in the Gulf region for 30 years — argues for a multilingual education system. She asks: What if Einstein had to pass the TOEFL? We equate English with intelligence, but some of the world’s best thinkers may not be English speakers. In different linguistic systems, we’re able to conceive of different concepts. Until we encourage multilingualism, we can never know what we know.

Steven Pinker: What our language habits revealSteven Pinker: What our language habits reveal Linguist Steven Pinker argues that language is a window into what makes humans tick in this compelling talk from TEDGlobal 2005. From metaphors to bribes to threats, indirect language speaks volumes about the inner workings of individuals and the societies we live in. By understanding the “cognitive machinery to conceptualize the world,” we will better understand ourselves.

James Geary, metaphorically speakingJames Geary, metaphorically speaking Metaphors give us Shakespeare, scientific discoveries and an understanding of financial crises. Metaphors are central to how we see the world, allowing us to understand complex or foreign concepts by putting them into a familiar context. Fun fact: we speak on average six metaphors per minute! In this cleverly worded talk from TEDGlobal 2009, James Geary explores the powerful force of the deeply influential word constructs that shape our reality.

Melissa Marshall: Talk nerdy to meMelissa Marshall: Talk nerdy to me Great communication from scientists and engineers will change the world, says professor Melissa Marshall in her talk from TEDGlobal 2012. Left-brain thinkers don’t need to dumb it down to make their ideas accessible to people without a technical bent, she argues. In this funny talk, Marshall provides a mathematical formula for perfect scientific communication.